Sambusak Filled Beef Pastries

Sambusak is one of my favorite pastries. You can serve them on trays at a party (great finger food) and they are great on picnics and bag lunches.

To make the pastry , first combine the flour and salt.

Using an electric mixer , cream the margarine and gradually blend in the flour mixture.

Add the water.

Knead until a ball forms.

Let the dough rest as you prepare the filling.

To make the meat filling , saute the onion in oil until soft and translucent , about 5 minutes.

Add the chopped meat and brown it , breaking it up with a wooden spoon , about 20 minutes.

Let meat cool , then add the spices and pine nuts.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees f.

Spread the 1 / 2 cup of sesame seeds on a large plate.

Break off walnut size pieces of dough.

Shape each into a ball and dip it lightly on one side into the sesame seeds , then roll it , seed side down , into a 3-inch round.

Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of the round.

Fold it over to make a half-moon and crimp the edges together tightly so that filling will not burst through.

Place pastries on ungreased baking sheets and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes , or until g.

all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted margarine, water, sesame seeds, onion, olive oil, beef shoulder, ground allspice, cinnamon, pine nuts